Name and Location
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission link upgrade project, Gotland, Sweden.

Client
Vattenfall Eldistribution.

Project Description
The project involves the upgrade of the world’s first commercial HVDC power transmission link, which was installed in 1954.

The 150 kV link can transmit 320 MW of power over 100 km from Västervik, on the east coast of mainland Sweden, to Ygne, on the island of Gotland. The link provides electricity to meet the needs of the 58 000 residents of the island and allows for wind power, generated on the island, to be transmitted to the mainland. This upgrade will help enhance capacity and allow for more wind power generation on Gotland, to be integrated into the grid for use locally in Sweden and across borders.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
ABB has been awarded a $22-million upgrade contract to enable more renewable-energy integration and boost grid reliability on the island of Gotland.

A key element of the upgrade will involve the installation of ABB’s control and protection system, which is like the brain of an HVDC link. The control system offers unmatched calculation capacity and a high degree of integration capability to handle control and protection functions, designed to operate continuously for 30 years or more. It also incorporates advanced fault registration and remote control functions.

The cooling system will also be upgraded as part of the project. The upgrades replace ageing equipment and will help improve the security of power supply to the island. The addition of a modern operator interface will also help extend the lifetime of the link, in addition to providing improved availability and functionality.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
ABB (HVDC upgrade contract).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Vattenfall Eldistribution, tel +46 556 417 0800.
ABB Power Grids head of communication Harmeet Bawa, tel +41 43 317 7111.